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Runway SafetyInternational Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations

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PerspectiveGeneral aviation comprises more than --

100,000 landing areas350,000 aircraft1.5 million pilots

IAOPA represents –450,000 pilot/owners in 69 States

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Are They Really Uncontrolled?Non-towered, perhaps self-

control…Standard procedures are common

GroundFlightCommunications

Training is key.

4EnvironmentLocation – mountains, deserts, surrounding

obstructionsSmall – runway length and widthIrregular Surface – macadam, grass, gravel, dirtNon-standard design - construction, signage, facilitiesCertification – normally uncertified by any government

organizationMultiple operations – aeroplane, helicopter, glider,

ultralight.

5ProblemsTaxi – few charts, un/poorly marked routes,

obstructionsTakeoff – can’t see entire pattern, no

communications, multiple operationsLandings – Heavy traffic, non-standard patterns,

no communications, multi-opsIFR/VFR mix – instrument approach vs. VFR

patternAirport design/maintenance – inadequateProficiency & Experience Discipline ….

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…Consequences Runway incursions -- self-clearance

reduces frequency/severityExcursions, overruns – pilot error,

wind/weather, airport designCollisions on the ground – taxiing,

vehicles, obstaclesMid-Air Collisions – usually on approach

or on runway

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• Big vs Little – we choose not to go to large airports

• Sequencing difficult• Strange environment• Single-pilot• Hazards• Wake turbulence• Jet wake • Too small to see?.

Controlled (towered) Airports

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SolutionsAwareness – pilots, flight instructors, controllers, airport operators, regulatorsEducation – Pilots, controllers, regulatorsInitial and recurrent training – pilots and flight instructorsSafety refreshers – States, flight training organizations, safety groups.

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Continuing Pilot Education

• States -- Canada, USA, Australia, UK, New Zealand, EASA

• Flight training organizations• Foundations – AOPA Air Safety Institute• Associations – AOPAs• Periodicals.

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www. airsafetyinstitute.org---

www.aopa.org/asf---

+1 301 695 2084

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International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations

j o h n . s h e e h a n @ a o p a . o r g---

www.iaopa.org---

+1 301 695 2220